Not-for-profit firm lands five-year carers hub contract

Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Children 's Trust and Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board have awarded Forward Carers CIC with a five-year contract to manage the Birmingham Carers Hub provision.

Forward Carers is a not-for-profit organisation that has been overseeing Birmingham Carers Hub since 2015. The West Midlands-based community interest company was successful in the rigorous tender process and will start a new contract next month.

As a lead partner, Forward Carers manages other not-for-profits across the city to deliver holistic support to unpaid carers via the Birmingham Carers Hub provision.

Birmingham Carers Hub advisors conduct Statutory Carer 's Assessments for adults caring for another adult, and depending on need, carers may be eligible for a Wellbeing Payment. carers over the age of 18 living in Birmingham can access a range of information, training, advice and support, attend events and activities as well as access to the free Carers Emergency Response Service.

The 2021 Census revealed there are around 100,000 people living in Birmingham who are providing unpaid care to a family member or close friend who is dependent upon their support.

The person that they care for may be frail, have dementia, mental health problems, a physical or hidden condition, they may be living with a serious illness or have an alcohol or substance addiction.

Simon Fenton, Forward Carers ' CEO, said: “We are thrilled and extremely proud to have been awarded this contract for the third time, and we look forward to continuing working in partnership with the city and NHS.

“We have some exciting new developments aimed at improving the wellbeing of many carers who do not currently receive support. With our unique partnership, we have supported thousands of carers during the pandemic and we will be there for them throughout the cost of living crisis. ”

Carers can register free of charge by submitting a form here or by emailing info@birminghamcarershub.org.uk, alternatively, to speak to an advisor call 0333 006 9711 (low rate charge or request a call back). Information and advice for carers outside of Birmingham can be found here.